I'm in deep PLEASE HELP!!!!! - Page 3

Stidd · #51 08/25/2006, 04:31 PM

Rik James · #52 08/25/2006, 06:05 PM

Algundo,
I tried it this morning. I got 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit from the local autobody supply store. In a 5 gallon bucket of saltwater I sanded a piece of 3" by 6" 1/4" extruded acyrilic. I started with 1000 until the work piece looked uniform, then to 1500 and 2000. All while submersed in salt water.
I have to admit it doesn't look to bad. I stuck it in my nano-cube and looked at through the glass. It was definetly hazy compared to the glass and another piece of unsanded acyrilic, much better than I thought it would be.
After this I sanded a second piece of the same size with some freshwater on my bench, I used the same grits as above. I then used the three step process with the 3 Novus acyrilic polishes. There is literally no difference between the unsanded acrylic and the sanded and polished acyrilic.
When my wife gets back with our camera I will try and post some photos.
In summary you probably could get away with sanding the tank with water in and not polishing, if you sand the entire tank. It would not look as good as it did when it was new though. Someone mentioned using 12K grit sandpaper, ifyou could get ahold of that it probably would come out very good.
Hope that helps.

Matt

fade2black · #53 08/25/2006, 07:26 PM

The thing with using micro-mesh is that you have to use each grade in succession. Don't skip any and do NOT sand in circles. It should be done in a cross-hatch pattern. Even though as you get up above 8000 grit it doesn't seem like it is doing anything, it is. 12000 grit almost feels like a rubbery type surface, but it is removing material (you'll see a white milky paste form as you are sanding). I don't suggest going from 2000 to 12000 as that is a huge jump and you would be sanding with 12000 forever trying to finish the job.

dark8nge1 · #54 08/25/2006, 08:47 PM

I've used the micro mesh before underwater and its works perfectly.

Gundo5000 · #55 08/25/2006, 10:55 PM

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate the info.

I am also talking with Marc Daniels, who is a professional in the acrylic field and works for public aquariums like Monteray Bay. He was refered to me by another RC member, and to him I am grateful. The micro-mesh seems to be a good method as well as sanding. Marc said he has a 100% proven method of removing scratches without draining the tank. I will report back with his method once I speak with him, that is if it's okay with him.

Thanks agian to all who have helped me get out of this bind

Freed · #56 08/25/2006, 11:04 PM

.

arconom · #57 08/26/2006, 12:58 PM

This is great to hear. The post that fade2black made is very important. To much pressure and distortion will be seen. Take your time, and take some pictures.

Good luck!

AZreefkeeper · #58 08/26/2006, 05:56 PM

Micro Mesh has worked for me. fade2black is right you have to use each pad in succession for it to work properly.

David Manwarren · #59 08/26/2006, 06:25 PM

The first thing I would do is call the professionals that do the major aquariums.

Try Reynolds Polymer in Grand Junction Colorado. They have a scratch kit that I am pretty sure you can buy.

Talk to someone in the shop or try their construction divison www.icm-corp.com

Or Nippura USA in North Carolina. Seach the web and you should be able to get the phone numbers.

Good Luck

Dave

Kent E · #60 08/27/2006, 12:07 PM

Perhaps he has already succumbed to the store owner.

ReefArtist · #61 08/28/2006, 06:55 PM

That’s great advice Freed, this is how you get a very nice sheen on fusible glass. I've done this millions of times with glass but not acrylic and of course acrylic is softer, but if it's tried first in a very inconspicuous place – What do you have to loose? Good Luck - I think it will work.

raskal311 · #62 08/30/2006, 02:03 PM

MD.com sells scratch remover kits that can be used under water.

MAreefer1 · #63 09/02/2006, 10:43 AM

how did all this turn out for you?

arconom · #64 09/02/2006, 05:41 PM

It would be great to get a update!!

Pictures?

nyvp · #65 09/02/2006, 10:02 PM

MIA ???

xclan · #66 09/04/2006, 08:20 PM

Uh oh, Maybe this club owner is meaner than we thought? Dont make us send the reefcentral police out on a hunt....to find ya. Hope it worked out OK

hot4teacher · #67 09/05/2006, 06:53 AM

Perhaps it was a club the mafia owned. Great "family" people, but not someone you want as an enemy.

As they say, "Cement is cheap, and the river is deep."

RIP

Rob Martin · #68 09/05/2006, 09:59 AM

lol,literally sleeping with da fishes!
Rob

Gundo5000 · #69 09/05/2006, 06:51 PM

Alright, Alright. The club owner was ****ed off as suspected. I simply told him that "It would be taken care of." I told him the scratches will be removed soon. He understood. I've been speaking with a couple professionals on different options I have. Many have heard of the micro mesh method and speak highly of it. I have a MM kit coming as well as another homemade kit from a professional. I don't want to rush into this and make it worse. I want to practice a bit before doing it at the club. The owner told me it doesn't matter if it takes a long time, he just wants it done right. I will keep you guys updated on the outcome.

Luckily I'm still sleepin with my wife, not the fishes...lol

scottcc · #70 09/24/2006, 10:49 PM

good luck dude...

Triggerhapi · #71 09/26/2006, 01:59 PM

LOL, i would have run away

adddo · #72 09/29/2006, 06:06 AM

I want an update, have you fixed the tanks? Did it turn out okay? Is the clubowner still mad at you? Are you alive and breathing?

thejuggernaut · #73 10/09/2006, 02:29 AM

Wow, Im staying with glass for this reason and this reason alone. All the acrylic tanks at my LFS were beautiful years ago but over the years have become hazy with scratches. Anywho I wonder what happened so im giving this a giant BUMP!!!!!